Social Equity

Affordable Housing and Poverty Reduction

Programs and initiatives to equitably provide for basic needs of the entire community.

TARGET

MEASURE

PROGRESS

Reduce percentage of households spending more than 30% of total before tax income on shelter costs

5% reduction by 2020

19% of households in the 2016 census, down from 21% in 2011.

Reduce income disparity between the top and bottom 20% income earners

Achieve 30%

Top 20% of individuals earn over $80,000 annually before taxes, while the bottom 20% earn less than $15,000--a gap of $65,000.

Increase number of City-led and City-supported projects, programs, services that directly address the needs of low income citizens

20% increase by 2020

20 programs, projects and services in 2017, up from 14 in 2014

Rationale

Safe, secure, decent housing is a basic need. Along with meeting that need, poverty reduction helps individuals and families reduce the potential for repeated crises, enabling them to resume their accustomed roles as workers, business people, and family members in the community.

Jurisdiction

Medium. The City can influence housing through development regulations and advocacy, and has a voice with organizations and governments. It can improve access to its programs and services including transportation and recreation, but has limited ability to directly affect equity.

Progress

The City of Whitehorse has been making progress towards the goal of social equity. The City collaborated on the 2017 project Safe at Home: A Community-based Action Plan to End and Prevent Homelessness. The plan identifies actions to reduce homelessness through expanded housing options, access to programs, community support, and improved data. The Downtown Plan builds on this theme and recommends a collaborative working group to foster social wellness and inclusion.